Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5
All of you, online clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, sales because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”

Thought for the Day: A society that more closely resembles the kingdom of God requires more humility from all of us—especially our leaders. Scripture describes a world that is fundamentally different from the way we live and relate to each other today, and it is different because it is a world based on the needs of others, not on selfishness.

Rather than encouraging endless competition and wealth accumulation in a game of life that only a few can win, the Bible time and again exhorts us to live lives of service to others, in humility to God, allowing God to work through us for the betterment of the entire species.

It’s popular today to talk about the demise of religion, and how the world might be a better place if religion, which has admittedly caused so much terror and bloodshed throughout history, simply disappeared. But I think the real problem is that humans haven’t paid enough attention to religion: we spout off passages of Scripture and talk about caring for our neighbor, the widow, and the orphan, but in looking around the world this morning, it’s clear we are not living up to the real principles all the world’s great religions espouse.

The world doesn’t need less religion, it needs more people paying attention to the real message of Jesus and others: Be humble in the face of God, a face we see in everyone around us. Put the needs of others before your own selfish desires. And always, always remember that God loves and forgives every single one of us equally, no matter what we call ourselves, no matter what we look like, and no matter how much we have or lack.

Prayer: Holy Lord, all existence is united through your being. May I constantly see reminders of your presence and grace in the world, and humbly do my part as you work through me to create a united world of peace, love, acceptance and equality. Amen.